By Harmel Deanne Codi, JD, MBA
“It is books that are the key to the wide world; if you can’t do anything else, read all that you can.” – Jane Hamilton.
Picture a child snuggled under the covers, clutching a colorful book, eyes wide with wonder. As they journey through its pages, they’re not just navigating a tale but traversing continents, timelines, and cultures. In this digital age where information is a click away, the beauty of stories lies in their ability to transport young readers to worlds beyond their immediate reality. But how do stories enrich a child’s worldview? Let’s embark on a literary adventure together!
An Insight into Diverse Cultures
Stories worldwide offer glimpses into varied traditions, rituals, and lifestyles. They reveal how people eat, dance, celebrate, and even perceive rain or stars. For instance, “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” by John Steptoe takes children to an African village, unveiling the beauty of African folklore, landscapes, and values.
Introducing Universal Values through Varied Lenses
While each culture may have unique customs, stories often reveal universal values – love, bravery, kindness, and perseverance.
Quotation: “Stories of imagination tend to upset those without one.” – Terry Pratchett. Indeed, through imaginative tales, children learn that while traditions might differ, human emotions and values remain connected.
Broadening Horizons and Encouraging Open-mindedness
When children encounter characters from different parts of the world, navigating unique challenges and adventures, it fosters empathy and a broader perspective. It also challenges stereotypes, encouraging children to be more accepting and open-minded. For example, “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi introduces readers to a Korean girl adjusting to an American school. Through her journey, children learn about the significance of names in Korean culture while empathizing with the universal challenge of fitting in.
Unveiling History and Evolution of Societies
While set in the backdrop of bygone eras, historical tales provide insights into societies’ evolution, civilizations’ rise and fall, and pivotal moments that shaped cultures. For instance, “The Stonekeeper” from the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi, though a fantasy, subtly blends elements from various cultures and epochs, allowing young readers to embark on a multifaceted historical and cultural journey.
Offering a Palette of Ideologies and Philosophies
Beyond just cultural nuances, stories often carry underlying ideologies, beliefs, and philosophies that have shaped societies. Through these narratives, children ponder diverse ways of thinking and living.
For example: “Tales from the Arabian Nights” doesn’t merely offer stories of magic and bravery but provides glimpses into Islamic beliefs, Middle Eastern values, and age-old philosophies.
In Conclusion
In our increasingly globalized world, it’s more crucial than ever for the next generation to be global citizens – understanding, empathetic, and open-minded. And what better way to introduce them to the grand mosaic of human civilization than through the enchanting pages of stories? So, the next time a child opens a book, remember they’re not just reading; they’re traveling, learning, and growing.
References:
Hamilton, Jane. Personal reflections on the importance of reading.
Steptoe, John. “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters.”
Pratchett, Terry. Personal observations on the power of stories.
Choi, Yangsook. “The Name Jar.”
Kibuishi, Kazu. “The Stonekeeper” (Amulet series).
